Two years ago on August 11, 2020, my in-laws celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. After arriving back in the States from his deployment in the South Pacific, Dad took the troop train home from San Diego. Due to the "we'll get there when we get there" schedule, he almost didn't make it to his wedding. Dad was 20 years old on his wedding day. Since he was not 21 (had 6 weeks to go to his 21st birthday), he had to get his mother's permission in order to get married.
August 11, 2020, my in-laws were in assisted living, COVID had isolated the world, we weren't allowed inside visits at the AL facility, masks mandates were in force, and we had a 75th wedding anniversary to celebrate. The care staff realized the importance of this celebration and they gave us guidelines to throw a party during the COVID craziness. We invited people to drive by, wave to Mom and Dad, blow kisses to them, they could stop briefly to give Happy Anniversary wishes, T and his sister collected cards. It was a perfect celebration for an unprecedented time.
Couples who make it to 70 years represent just one-tenth of one percent of all marriages. Couples who make it to 75 years are so rare, there aren't even statistics for it, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The beginning of the celebratory drive-by 75th anniversary parade for Mom and Dad. Bill led the way and "drove" by about 5 more times!
Lots has changed in two years. Dad died in 2020, a couple months after this 75th anniversary celebration. I do believe he was determined to be present for this lifetime moment before he left this earth. COVID is still present but life is not shut down, masks are required mainly in health care environments or by choice. Mom is approaching her 99th year.
But what not has changed is the presence of love. It will always be here.
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